Tyre wall damage: can it be repaired?
What is tyre sidewall damage?
Bulges
Cuts
Scratches
Punctures
UK Tyre Law: what does it say about tyre sidewall damage?
Winter tyres
Can sidewall tyre damage be repaired?
What to do if you suffer sidewall tyre damage
If you drive with run flat tyres, the procedure is slightly different. The stiffer sidewalls on run flat tyres help to absorb the impact of tyre damage. This is especially useful if you suffer a blowout. Run flat tyres will help you stay in control of your vehicle and severely reduce the risk of an accident. You will also find that new cars with run flat tyres have Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that alert you when you have damaged tyres.
But whilst run flat tyres help you stay in control with damaged tyres, you do still need to get the tyre replaced as soon as possible. A run flat tyre allows you to drive at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour for around 50 miles after suffering sidewall damage. In other words, enough time for you to reach a garage or another suitable place for your tyre to be replaced. A damaged run flat tyre will give you a somewhat bumpier and less controlled drive than normal, so don't drive on them for any longer than is absolutely necessary.
A run flat tyre always needs to be replaced with another run flat tyre. Using a standard tyre will compromise the performance of the vehicle and make it a lot harder to control.
Final thoughts
Of course, driving with run flat tyres makes sidewall tyre damage slightly easier to deal with. But do not think that it means you can carry on driving as if nothing has happened. Your car is still not roadworthy and a replacement needs to be fitted as soon as possible.
If you have any queries regarding tyre sidewall damage, make sure you talk to an expert and check out the Pirelli guides on the subject.